breast feeding timetable any idea what works Ted is only 4 days?

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Vicki - posted on 11/18/2010

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Karla your schedule looks like feeding on demand to me :-). When people talk about feeding schedule they usually mean feeding at specific times even if the baby is hungry 2 hours before they are 'due' rather than responding as you obviously would.

He's just a newborn. You should feed him on demand right now. There is no set number of times or how long to nurse each time. When he starts rooting, sucking on his hands, fussing, etc. then nurse him.

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Allison - posted on 11/24/2010

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I also nursed on demand, but just want to add that at times (growth spurts, teething - starting at about 1 month old) my son wanted to nurse every 15-30 minutes, and was NOT happy b/c there wasn't much production when nursing so often. SO I finally decided he needed to wait at least 1 hour between feedings, and we were a lot happier :) Just in case u run into that situation!

PS He was born a 10 pounder and at a LOT starting at birth, and I had severe health problems that kept me from nursing for the first 5 days, but after that my milk was always plenty for him, no formula or other supplements :)

No routines at this point, sorry to say. Nurse every time he wants to and even when he doesn't. He should be nursing every two hours, without fail, until you hear that he's gaining well. Hang in there - but it does get better!

Vicki---I find it comical that you feel my schedule looks like demand feeding. I actually followed Babywise and the tips I listed are the basic principals of Babywise, which demand feeding mothers denounce as unsafe and will lead to failure to thrive...hehe:)

With a newborn, you should be feeding on demand - period. Having a schedule can negatively impact your nursing supply and, when taken far enough, cause issues such as FTT. Plus there's just no real reason for it :)

Feed him as often and as long as he wants. Breastmilk is his FoodWaterHugsWarmthSafetyBondingDevelopingIt's not just food!So he might ask for it at random times and it might seem way too often, but remember his umbilical cord in your womb gave him food 24/7So it's obvious he will want to eat often! He can't overeat at this age, not even til a year! And most toddlers wouldn't over eat either.So more is not a bad thing.Too little feeds will cause him not to grow, and your milk to slowly come in less and less.Feed him at his first sign of wanting it, never need to make him wait!

To Umni breastmilk does not dilute or start being bad for a baby. research shows it gets more condensed the longer you nurse becoming higher in fat protein and other wonderful things. It also changes hourly to fit the needs of the child who is nursing. I would recommend to start you read this page http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/eb... I personally am planing on letting my daughter self wean she is just shy of three and still nursing.

I had a different approach....#1-I fed my son anytime he was hungry#2-I fed him at least every 3hrs during the day#3-I nursed him when he woke up, so he was less likely to fall asleep while eating, therefore he ate for at least 10 minutes on each side, each time#4 after bedtime (9:00 at our house) I put him down and didn't wake him for 6 hours, but if he woke up hungry...I fed him. The schedule worked best for my family. I had a ridiculous supply, unbelievable bond, and good rest to help improve my supply and bond:) Don't let people scare you from the evil schedule!!!! It worked wonders for us

like all have said just feed him wen and if he is hungry dont worry about a routine there is plenty ov time 4 1 ov them later on my dauhter will b 6 months next fri and we do not have a routine has yet she just feeds wen she is hungry i try not 2 let her go longer then 3 hours durin the day has she gets quite fussy if i do but she has been a good sleeper from a young age

I agree with the other moms. Definitely feed on demand. He is way too young to be placed on a feeding schedule. I know it is exhausting but it is well worth it and it does get a lot easy as time goes by. Before you know he will place himself on a feeding schedule that works for his little belly. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The others are right, he needs to be fed on demand as he is so little. It doesnt matter how often he feeds at this stage. He will also go through stages of wanting to feed more, which is perfectly normal, as he will go through growth spurts.